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Hard Landing During Power-Off Approach Results in Aircraft Damage (N4370X)

Kralltown, PA, US

On September 3, 1982, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4370X) operated by Capital City Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kralltown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and configuration during a power-off approach, which led to a hard landing and bounce. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, nose gear, and engine mounts after a hard landing and bounce during a power-off approach at approximately 35 feet above ground level.

What happened

The incident occurred during a power-off approach phase of flight. As the aircraft descended on final approach, it began to drop prematurely when it was approximately 35 feet above ground level (AGL). The instructor pilot responded by applying full power and retracting one notch of flaps in an attempt to arrest the descent and achieve a climb.

Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft did not gain sufficient altitude and landed hard. Upon impact, the aircraft bounced off the runway surface before touching down again with significant force. This second hard landing resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and propulsion system components.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and configuration during a power-off approach, which led to a hard landing and bounce.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 1982 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Kralltown, PA?

An aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, nose gear, and engine mounts after a hard landing and bounce during a power-off approach at approximately 35 feet above ground level.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4370X, operated by Capital City Aviation, at Kralltown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and configuration during a power-off approach, which led to a hard landing and bounce.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.